WDW Daily News

Recently Matt Martin, Creative Executive of Franchise Story & Content from the Lucasfilm Story Group, visited Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® in Florida, and while he was exploring the planet of Batuu, he met with some of the authors who helped bring some of the stories of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life.  

Matt got the chance to explore Batuu with authors Delilah Dawson (author of “Galaxy’s Edge: Black Spire”), Zoraida Cordova (author of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge A Crash of Fate”) and Ethan Sacks (author of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” comic series) along with illustrator Will Sliney. Check out some of their stories below!  

Since the launch of Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, we’ve had a great time partnering with Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic to update the attraction with new and exciting destinations. Passengers who board the Starspeeder 1000 never know where in the galaxy their pilot C-3PO and navigator R2-D2 will take them. We’ve added flights to Jakku, Crait and even Batuu!  Along the way, we’ve encountered many of our favorite characters from the Skywalker saga.

I know that many of you are as excited as I am about the December 20th film launch of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Today we’re excited to announce that Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disneyland® Resort, Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort will be adding new destinations inspired by the latest episode of the Star Wars saga. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters on Dec. 20, 2019. 

In the trailers for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, fans caught glimpses of the ocean moon Kef Bir. All we can say at this point is that Starspeeders will be heading there soon!

UPDATE: Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night will be returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® this December! Reservations are open starting today for bookings beginning on Dec. 4, 2019.

Earlier this year, we launched an all-new dining adventure coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park select nights.  Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night is a family-friendly progressive dining experience drawing inspiration from the many facets of African cultures. In addition to celebrating the beloved story of “The Lion King,” this experience honors some of the most majestic and endangered African animals through delicious flavors, fun activities, live music, and appreciation for animal conservation.

One of these fun activities is a Kilimanjaro Safaris Virtual Realty experience. After enjoying a welcome reception at the train station in Harambe, you will hop on the train and journey to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Here they’ll have the opportunity to try out a virtual reality 360-degree safari experience like they’ve never seen before, one that is only available exclusively during Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night! “Join our Pride” and get up close and personal with the sights and sounds of Pride Rock, coming face-to-face with our amazing host, the African lions. 

In addition to virtual reality, you will be able to indulge on a culinary expedition of food and beverages throughout the entire experience. When they begin their journey at the Harambe Train Station, they’ll enjoy a welcome reception featuring meat pies, Durban chips and dip, and a hand-selected array of meats and cheeses as well as Harambellini, a specialty beverage featuring sparkling South African wine blended with a bright burst of passion fruit, orange, and guava juices. And for the kiddos, they can nibble on cheese, fruit, and Tofaa (chocolate caramel-dipped green apples). 

During the welcome reception, you will receive a boarding pass that allows them to hop on the train and head to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where fun activities (including the VR experience and character greetings with familiar friends Timon and Rafiki) and more bites and refreshments await them. Theyt can snack on spiced crisp plaintains, South African oat and coconut bars, and Sundowner Safari Mix with spiced nuts and dried fruit. Kids can enjoy seasonal fruit and Trail Mix Bites with granola, chocolate chips, raisins, and honey. For the adults, the specialty beverages featured here are the Chief’s Shandy (Tusker beer blended with lemonade), and Wanjohi’s Dawa, a refreshing blend of tequila, pineapple, mango, and Ancho chile. 

Next, you can hop back on the train to head back to their final destination: Harambe Market. Here they’ll partake in a delicious dinner while enjoying upbeat music from African musicians, a dance party, and captivating storytelling. On the menu is an array of hearty dishes and yummy desserts inspired by the five featured African animals. Around the marketplace, you will find stations representing each of the animals and a selection of additional offerings in the courtyard.

The African Lion Station

• Char-Grilled Steak with Herb-Infused Mealie, Chakalaka, and a Red Wine Sauce
• Chicken with Fingerling Potatoes, Kool Slaai, and Mango Sambal
• Chicken Tenders (Kid’s Option)

The Cape Buffalo Station

• Shrimp Curry with Sustainable Shrimp, Cape Malay Green Coconut Curry, and Fragrant Basmati Rice
• Grilled Sweet Corn with Farmer’s Cheese, Chili-Lime Spice, and Citrus Aioli
• Barbecued Ribs (Kid’s Option)
• Macaroni and Cheese (Kid’s Option)

The Rhinoceros Station

• Vegetable Curry with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables served over Basmati Rice
• Vegetarian Potato and Pea Samosa, Pickled Vegetables, and Tamarind Dipping Sauce
• Barbecued Ribs (Kid’s Option)
• Macaroni and Cheese (Kid’s Option)

The African Elephant Station

• Smoked Honey-glazed Pork Belly with White Bean Purée, Caramelized Apple-Bacon Chutney, and Curry-Apple Gastrique

The Leopard Station

• Sustainable Fish with Coriander-Fennel Slaw and Dhania Chutney
• Grilled Lamb with Goat Cheese Polenta and Roasted Garlic Sauce
• Mini Corn Dog (Kid’s Option)

Harambe Market Courtyard Station

• Petite Greens, Local Tomatoes, Cucumber, Sweety Drop Peppers, Citrus, and Citrus Vinaigrette
• Boerie Roll with South African Farmers’ Style Sausage, Peppadews, and Pickled Vegetables
• African Spiced Popcorn

Dessert Station

• Honey-Caramel Candy Bar with Crispy Pearls
• Animal-inspired Cupcakes
• Lions S’mores Pop with Chocolate and Graham Cracker Crumbs

Specialty Beverages

• Talking Monkey – Coffee Liqueur, Banana Liqueur, and Espresso-infused Snow Leopard Vodka
• Marketplace Sangria – Blend of African Wine and Rooibos Tea finished with a Citrus and Mint Infusion
• Safari Sunset – Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Orange, and Guava Juices blended with Rum
• Assorted African-inspired Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (Also available at the Welcome Reception and Rafiki’s Planet Watch Train Station)
• Assorted African Beer and Wine (Also available at the Welcome Reception and Rafiki’s Planet Watch Train Station)

Menus and options are subject to change, but at each station, you will learn a little bit about each of the Big Five animals. Children are invited to choose their favorite Big Five animal charm and learn more about them while creating their very own bracelet or necklace. 

Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night will be available again on select nights beginning Dec. 4, 2019 from 6-9pm for a limited time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Pricing is $125 plus tax for adults and $99 plus tax for children ages 3-9 and separate park admission is required. Visit the Walt Disney World Resort website to make reservations.

When Disney’s an option, why would you want to celebrate your birthday anywhere else? Thrilling rides, delicious treats, Instagram-worthy backdrops, and that sense of nostalgia make for an unforgettable experience. The only thing you need is to know how to plan an adult birthday party at Disney so you’re prepped for the best celebration yet.

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If guests are looking for a special, inspiring experience at the Disneyland® Resort, they should head to Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure® Park. This limited-time celebration honors the beloved Pixar film, “Coco,” and the everlasting bonds of family with live entertainment, arts and crafts activities and food!

Here’s what’s in store for their visit:

“A Musical Celebration of Coco” – A cast of storytellers entertain Guests with beloved songs from the film performed by singing host Mateo and the Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Divas. Get transported to the land of the dead with appearances of authentic folklórico dancers and townspeople from “Coco” joined by the adventurous Miguel, who is brought to life in a whimsical style inspired by Mexican folk art!

Árbol de la Vida – The iconic Árbol de la Vida—or Tree of Life—is an iconic photo location where you can write down an emotional thought for their loved ones to display on the nearby wall of memories.

Photo Memories – New this year, you can take photos with Miguel when he appears between shows at a beautiful artistic mural entitled “Recuérdame” (“Remember Me”). Named after the iconic song from the film, the evocative mural depicts the themes touched on by the Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia in their show, and celebrates Miguel’s beloved family in Santa Cecilia and the Land of the Dead.

Food and Beverages – At Paradise Garden Grill, sample traditional Mexican dishes and sweets—from tacos, tamales and decadent desserts to Mexican hot chocolate and refreshing drinks. The delicious flavors make for a delightful feast!

There’s just two weeks left to celebrate the everlasting bonds of family at Plaza de la Familia. Join us now through Nov. 3 at the Disneyland Resort!

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Did you know the mobile order service is now available at more than 35 locations throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks, Disney Springs® and select Disney Resort hotels?

This popular service, available through the My Disney Experience app*, lets you order ahead from wherever they happen to be and pick up food and beverages at their convenience – from DOLE Whip at Magic Kingdom® Park to Blue Milk at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and even some of our new, flavorful plant-based dishes. If guests purchased a package with a Disney dining plan, they can also redeem their meal and snack credits directly through the service.

Over the past several months, we have expanded the mobile order service to even more Disney Resort hotel dining locations, including Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, the Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. With these latest additions, the service is now available at 14 Disney Resort hotels, a great option whether guests are looking to start their day with Mickey Waffles or enjoy dinner and dessert after returning from a fun-filled day at the parks.

So, if you are ready to spend less time waiting and more time playing, be sure to tell them to use the mobile order service during their next Disney visit!

*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

App Store is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Google Play is a trademark of Google LLC.

A dedicated page for Disney+ allows the public to search its entire content catalog. In less than a month, Disney will officially join the streaming business with the launch of their own platform. Boasting content from Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Fox and their in-house projects, including their beloved classics, fans are understandably excited for its arrival.

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The saga will end. The story lives forever. The culmination of 42 years of storytelling, watch the final trailer for Star Wars: Episode IX

Are you looking for a unique new dining experience on your next Walt Disney World® Resort visit? At Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, you can spend the evening enjoying delicious tapas, sublime steaks and succulent seafood under a large pair of olive trees and shimmering vaulted ceilings.

Situated on top of the new Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, the restaurant offers a surrealistic rooftop dining experience and a menu inspired by the flavors of Spain.

An on-stage tapas kitchen serves charcuteríá and cheeses, as well as small plates and soup. Entrees include aged, hand-cut Spanish chuleton for two, delicious sustainable seafood offerings and savory plant-based “seafood.” For a sweet ending to the meal, you can try one of several unique signature desserts created by Disney’s Master Pastry Chef.  

The Master Sommelier has hand-selected over 75 choices of Spanish and California wines, as well as handcrafted cocktails, beer and ciders.

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood is open for dinner every evening from 5-10 p.m. Reservations are available through Disneyworld.com/dine or via the My Disney Experience app.

Halloween is just around the corner, but that isn’t stopping Disney Springs from readying itself for the Christmas season. Take a look at some photos as Disney Springs prepares for its annual Christmas Tree Trail.